It has seemed like a production line at times in the Alouettes’ secondary this season. From Greg Henderson to Raymon Taylor. From Jonathon Mincy to Tyree Hollins and now, the latest addition, Khalid Wooten.

We’re witnessing a glimpse into the future. The Als, in many games, produced a championship-calibre defence this season that was squandered in the weak East Division and behind an offence that continues to struggle. While safety Marc-Olivier Brouillette and defensive-back Jovon Johnson remained the fixtures, the remaining pieces seemed interchangeable. And with both Brouillette and Johnson eligible to become free agents in February, who knows what the secondary might look like in 2017.

“We have young talent in the secondary like I’ve never seen before at any level,” said middle-linebacker Bear Woods, a double nominee in the opening-round of player awards announced Wednesday by the Canadian Football League. Woods is the Als’ nominee as defensive player of the year and outstanding player.

“We had a quarterback carousel. This is a different situation than any other team,” Woods added. “Hopefully, we can keep this unit together.

“That was a missed opportunity for us, but we still have a chance to build off it. Jacques’ vision this whole time is about preparing for next year,” he said of interim head coach Jacques Chapdelaine.

When Taylor suffered a thigh injury late last week, he was replaced by fellow rookie Wooten at boundary cornerback against Calgary. Wooten, a sixth-round draft choice of the Tennessee Titans in 2013, came up with a crucial first-quarter interception with the Stampeders on the Als’ 12-yard line and poised to take a 10-0 lead.

“We’re excited about these guys. They really fit the mould of what we’re trying to do defensively,” defensive coordinator and assistant head coach Noel Thorpe said. “It all starts with being physical, being able to cover man-to-man, being able to run to the ball, make plays on the ball.

“You look at what they’ve been able to do their first year, where there’s usually a large learning curve. They’ve been able to overcome that. Their ability to absorb what we do defensively. I think their skill set fits us very well. And their attitude. These are outstanding young men with good character that have been embraced by the vets.”

While the Als have intercepted only 13 passes this season, they’ve also forced 42 turnovers, behind only Winnipeg and Calgary. Montreal also has allowed an average of 22.9 points per game — behind only the Stamps — while allowing a league-low 34 touchdowns.

The Als have six wins and will miss the playoffs for a second consecutive year, while Ottawa (8-8-1) and Hamilton (7-10) have clinched post-season berths. Montreal concludes its regular season Saturday afternoon against the Tiger-Cats.

The Als split two games with Calgary, allowing only two touchdowns over eight quarters. The Stamps completed the season with a CFL-leading 15-2-1 record. Wooten’s interception, coming on a play in which the Als disguised their coverage and confused quarterback Drew Tate’s read, was crucial.

“Wooten played the coverage like a veteran player. Technique-wise, he was right on point,” Thorpe said. “He did a good job for us. He’s athletic and has a nose for the ball. He has good size and isn’t afraid to come up and hit you. He’s a physical player. He’s confident, with good instincts and football intelligence. That’s something you saw right off the bat.

“He got in and displayed a quiet confidence. He knew his job. It was all about the preparation.”

Woods, meanwhile, established a team-record for tackles against Calgary — surpassing fellow linebacker Chip Cox — and has 123 with one game remaining. Woods is second overall in the league behind British Columbia’s Solomon Eliminian, with 128.

Of more importance, Woods was able to remain healthy the entire season. He has battled injuries throughout his six-year career and went down in the second game of 2015 with a torn right pectoral muscle that required surgery. Woods was the division’s outstanding defensive player in 2014, when he recorded 89 tackles and seven sacks in only 12 games.

“Tough times don’t last. Tough people do,” Thorpe said. “This is a guy who has shown great resolve and resiliency. He’s come back. It’s a testament to his perseverance, talent and his ability to be the centrepiece of our defence. It’s a great combination for us to have defensively. It’s a well-deserved recognition.”

Woods, a 6-foot, 245 pounder, has never been concerned with his amount of tackles. Of more importance are the ones he misses, which he has kept to a minimum.

“Those (injuries) were freak deals that are part of the game,” he said. “I’m glad I played a whole year … and showed 2014 wasn’t a fluke. I’ve always produced on the field. I’m happy to have done that for the organization.

“Not missing opportunities is where my mind’s at. But you take away (nose-tackle) Alan-Michael Cash and how good am I? Same with Gabe Knapton, Aaron Lavarias, John Bowman and Ray Drew. Our defensive line does the job.”

Other Als’ nominees include Stefan Logan (special teams); Mincy (rookie); Kristian Matte (offensive line) and Samuel Giguère (Canadian). The voting was conducted by selected members of the Football Reporters of Canada along with the league’s head coaches.

Meanwhile, quarterback Vernon Adams, recovering from a thigh injury, took first-team reps on Wednesday and is expected to start against the Ticats.

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